It was a bright sunny day Monday both in the valley and up on Mt Ashland. 12 of us met in the ski area parking lot near the entrance to FS20.
The Ski Rd and parking routes were free of ice since real snow hadn't fallen since December.
Kay of the Friday Mod Squad had told us that the snow was hard-packed so snowshoes weren't needed and that Yaktrax or just good hiking boots would do for the hike up to the Golf ball.
The parking lot is at 6,600' and from there we readied ourselves by strapping on Yaktrax or Clampon spikes. The bright sunlight called for sunscreen for some and sunglasses for just about everyone.
We were ready to go by about 9:45.
Surprisingly, we had the snow road to ourselves on this glorious day.
We spread out with everyone going at their own pace up to the summit.
As we gained elevation more landmarks came into view. We had a clear view of snow-covered Mt. Shasta, 75 miles away, with junior partner, Black Butte, down the west slope of the big mountain.
Then stopping at a switchback lookout we saw down into the Clolestin Valley and Pilot Rock to our left.
Once we made it to the 7,500' top, we had brilliant views of Mt. McLoughlin to the northeast.
The road was groomed and doable to the top; but just as a caution as the road covering became more ice than snow nearing the summit, there was a narrow dirt path near the edge for those of us wearing just hiking boots.
Most of us reached the rocky top by 11:45 so 2 hours on the trail and time for lunch.
Sitting across from the huge white weather globe, the nickname golf ball didn't seem to fit and Patricia came up with a better name, Volleyball!
We also had a view of the ski lift delivering skiers to the highest ski run on Mt Ashland.
As we began our afternoon descent, we met other visitors coming up,Xskiers, hikers, snowboarders, people with kids, and people with dogs.
The temperature on the day ranged from the high 20s to the low 40s and mild, with little wind.
The hike up to the Volleyball gained 900' and was 5 miles roundtrip.
And, Randy and I discovered some bear tracks in the snow.
Posthike, 7 of us met at the Rogue Valley Roasting Company in Ashland.
Happy Trails,
Rich
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